There are
crossword clues
that click instantly, like a well-oiled lock, and then there are those that demand a moment of quiet contemplation, a gentle prodding of the grey matter, before their brilliant construction reveals itself. These are the
crossword clues
that truly elevate the puzzle from a mere word game to an intellectual exercise, a delightful dance between definition and wordplay. And every so often, one comes along that perfectly marries a seemingly straightforward concept with a deeply evocative image, leading to that satisfying “aha!” moment.
Today, we’re diving into precisely such a
crossword clue
: “Supposition on the old railway (6)“. It’s a prime example of how constructors craft a clue that initially seems to pull you in two different directions, yet ultimately guides you towards a single, elegant solution. Let’s break down why this particular
crossword clue
is so wonderfully compelling.
First, consider the definitional component: “Supposition.” This immediately brings to mind concepts like a theory, a guess, a hypothesis, or perhaps even a mere hunch. It suggests something that is thought to be true, but lacks definitive proof. We’re looking for a word that encapsulates this idea of an unconfirmed belief or a speculative thought. This part of the
crossword clue
anchors our search to a specific semantic field.
Then comes the striking, imagery-rich phrase: “on the old railway.” This is where the magic of the wordplay truly lies. “Old railway” evokes visions of disused tracks, forgotten routes, historical lines, or even specific terminology used within the world of rail transport, past or present. It conjures up the ghost of journeys once taken, the physical remnants of a bygone era of locomotion. Is the answer a type of track? A path? A historical term for a particular line? This is the misdirection, or rather, the cleverly integrated secondary meaning, that often stumps solvers initially.
The brilliance of this
crossword clue
lies in how these two seemingly disparate elements – a mental concept of a “supposition” and the physical imagery of an “old railway” – converge into a single, six-letter word. It’s a testament to the constructor’s skill in identifying words that possess dual meanings or applications, allowing them to craft a clue that is both fair and fiendishly clever. When you finally hit upon the correct answer, you’ll likely appreciate the subtle connection, the ingenious overlap that binds the abstract notion of a guess to the concrete world of railways.
Solving a
crossword clue
of this calibre isn’t just about finding the right word; it’s about appreciating the artistry involved. It forces you to think laterally, to consider not just the literal definitions but also the metaphorical implications and the potential for homophones or double meanings. It reminds us that language is fluid, capable of connecting ideas in unexpected and delightful ways. This particular “Supposition on the old railway (6)“
crossword clue
is a prime example of such linguistic acrobatics, a miniature puzzle in itself, waiting to be unravelled. It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that makes the entire solving experience so rewarding.
Available Answers:
THEORY.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 14 July 2025